A Decade of SPEAK Campaigning

Founded in March 2004 to oppose the construction of the new Oxford university animal research facility

Work was suspended on the £18 million lab after pressure from activists. SPEAK maintains weekly protests
SPEAK are forced to defend the right to protest after Oxford university seek High court injunction. Judge visits Oxford to inspect protest site.
Construction workers wearing balaclavas restart work on lab.

Fifteen SPEAK supporters are illegally arrested at Encaenia day protest. Covert police tape reveals the extent of collusion between university and law enforcement. All SPEAK campaigners are subsequently acquitted after month long trial.

National demonstration for ‘Felix’ the primate being subject to invasive brain experimentation at Oxford. License issued by Home Office to cause Felix ‘SEVERE’ suffering.
Prime minister gives personal backing for Oxford animal lab.

SPEAK is not opposed to research that will benefit people and animals. The reason for our continued presence in Oxford is to demonstrate for ethical and relevant research. SPEAK is in the vanguard of a movement dedicated to ending the reliance on animal experimentation in favour of 21st century technology.

Oxford University’s investment in building a new centre dedicated to animal experimentation is a step backwards. The numbers of animals used at the South Parks Road site contradicts the university’s public commitment to finding alternatives to animal based research. Oxford University has also resorted to excessive civil legal proceedings to try and silence its critics.

Ten years on we are still here because Oxford University has not responded to the growing public disquiet concerning animal research. SPEAK will continue to represent the voices of progressive scientific opinion and public concern about animal suffering.